Khaby Lame secured a major UN Tourism ambassador position in November, just months after Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement forced him out of America in a move that cost the U.S. access to the world’s most powerful social media creator.
The 25-year-old TikTok star, who has 162 million followers and earned $20 million in 2024 without speaking a damn word, was detained by ICE in Las Vegas on June 6 after allegedly overstaying his visa. Conservative influencer Bo Loudon claimed credit for the deportation, stating he “personally took action to have him deported” after discovering Lame was “an illegal who overstayed an invalid VISA.”
Khaby Lame accepted voluntary departure rather than face formal deportation proceedings, leaving America behind just as his earning power peaked. Reports show he commands between $500,000 and $850,000 per sponsored post, with some campaigns paying over $1 million.
While Trump’s administration revoked Lame’s visa for visa violations, international organizations immediately recognized his value. UNICEF named him a Goodwill Ambassador in February 2025, giving him a platform to influence global audiences that American brands can no longer easily reach.
Lame rose from factory worker to social media king during COVID-19 after losing his job in Italy. His wordless reaction videos became the most-watched content on TikTok, building a following that spans every continent and demographic.